Great to talk to my good friend PM @narendramodi again. As Comprehensive Strategic Partners, we can work together o… https://t.co/PwkhNTRomK
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) 1613718272000
According to the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code Bill 2020, big tech and social media giants like Facebook and Google will have to pay local news outlets for using their content.Morrison has repeatedly said that his government will not be browbeaten by the power of the social media giants who have been resisting the rule, saying it runs against the fundamental principle of free movement of information online. On Thursday, many Australian entities and individuals were blocked on Facebook, a move described as “unfriending” by the social media giant.
“People are looking at what Australia is doing,” Morrison said, revealing that he has already discussed the law with PM Modi and Trudeau. Morrison also called Facebook’s move “arrogant” and “disappointing” and called on the American social media behemoth to revoke it. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly agreed to talks between company representatives and Australian government officials over the weekend. Despite earlier threats to pull its search from Australia over the legislation, Google has softened its stance and instead brokered several deals with large media companies, including Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.
Source: Economic Times